Releases: Expanded View

Apr 19 2017

Philadelphia's Top Spots For Souvenirs

Where To Shop For Gifts, Home Décor, Jewelry, Clothes & Culinary Treats With A Philly Flair

Mitchell & Ness

Visitors seeking a tricorn hat, feather quill pen or mini-Rocky can certainly find such souvenirs in and around Philadelphia’s best-known historical and cultural sites. Then again, those who prefer artisan-made goods and foods, cool T-shirts or locally made jewelry can stop into stylish shops all over the city to pick up unexpected Philly memorabilia. Here are some of the city’s best places to scoop up merchandise and more:

Fashion-Forward Finds:

Cheesesteaktees lets its shirts do the talking. The online shop specializes in fun, cheeky Philly-themed tees, hoodies and decals. Patrons can pick up an iconic “illadelph” decal or go for a sports team raglan that bears a message like “Birds Rule.” And if none of their sassy sayings fit the bill, they’ll do a custom design. cheesesteaktees.com

No need to leave one’s heart in Philadelphia when the LAGOS Heart of Philadelphia charm lets visitors bring Philly home. The locally based jewelry designer incorporated architectural details from four city landmarks—City Hall, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts—into a must-have sterling silver heart that’s available on a necklace or bracelet. 1735 Walnut Street, (215) 567-0770, lagos.com

Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Union. Whatever the sport, whatever the team, neighbors Mitchell & Ness and Shibe Vintage Sports are the spots for cool, authentic sports gear. To show their team spirit at a game or from a comfy sofa, celebrities and fans stop by to stock up on throwback jerseys, snapback caps, hoodies and other clothing licensed by major-league sports. Shibe also carries its own made-in-Philly line of retro T-shirts celebrating classic Philly landmarks, athletes and more. Mitchell & Ness, 1201 Chestnut Street, (267) 273-7622, mitchellandness.com; Shibe, 137 S. 13th Street, (215) 566-2511, shibevintagesports.com

Philadelphia pride is runway-ready with designer Nicole Miller’s collection of scarves, neckties and bowties, all in silk and all bearing logos and images of Philly icons, landmarks and institutions. Miller’s trademark bright colors on a dark background make the items fashionable keepsakes. The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad Street, (215) 546-5007; 4249 Main Street, (215) 930-0307, nicolemiller.com

Carrying everything from authentic, licensed Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Union apparel to team-themed Christmas items, postcards and novelties, Rittenhouse Square’s Philly Team Store is a home run for die-hard Philadelphia sports fans. Some of the most coveted souvenirs at the store include the Mike Schmidt plush player doll and Richie Ashburn and Cody Asche mini-figures. 1720 Chestnut Street, (215) 941-5002, phillyteamstore.com

Tasty Take-Home Treats:

Among the 80 merchants inside Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania General Store serves as a go-to spot for Philly food gifts. Shoppers can snap up local favorites such as Wilbur Buds (originally made in Old City), Hope’s Cookies, Tastykake and Horn & Hardart coffee. These treats, along with “Welcome to Philly” gift bags and baskets are available online or through a mail-order catalogue when supplies need replenishing. The store also carries a full line of non-food souvenirs: glasses, mugs, T-shirts, books, charms and the like. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 592-9772, pageneralstore.com

Half the fun of Shane Confectionery is the time travel—it kicks in when visitors see the turn-of-the-century décor. Otherwise, it’s all about the sweets. Handmade in this legendary shop that was restored by brothers Eric and Ryan Berley, the signature buttercreams and caramels, old-fashioned clear toy candies and more Wonka-esque goodies satisfy any sweet tooth. 110 Market Street, (215) 922-1048, shanecandies.com

Among the over-21 set, Philly’s Yards Brewing Company is a name to know. After touring the brewery and relaxing in the tasting room, brew lovers can pick up a six-pack or growler of one of Yards’ award-winning craft beers—including their Ales of the Revolution Series: a Thomas Jefferson tavern ale, Benjamin Franklin spruce and a George Washington porter—to enjoy over meal at one of Philly’s many bring-your-own-bottle spots. Back at home, the growler can serve as a fond memory of one of the nation’s great beer cities. T-shirts, sweatshirts, pint glasses and other swag are also available. 901 N. Delaware Avenue, (215) 634-2600, yardsbrewing.com

For more than 150 years, Humphry’s Flags has been manufacturing all manner of flags in the Philadelphia (including the City of Philadelphia’s flags, of course). Directly and appropriately across the street from the Betsy Ross House, the retail arm of the now international company stocks petite to enormous versions of Old Glory, along with flags from other nations, states, organizations and even times. Custom flags are also available. 238 Arch Street, (800) 227-3524, humphrysflag.com

Two of Philly’s most famous citizens, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross, still boast rock-star status in their city, and the choices for take-home items are endless at the Independence Visitor Center and the Betsy Ross House. Young patriots can purchase kid-sized mob caps (women’s fabric caps traditionally worn indoors by women) or tricorn hats, while parents can go home with coasters imprinted with some of Ben’s favorite quotes about beer. Flag fans can choose from 13-star flags like Betsy’s original design or cross-stitch needlepoint versions for do-it-yourselfers. Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, giftshop.phlvisitorcenter.com; Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house

On a cobblestone side street in the shadow of historic Christ Church, Old City T-Shirts and Souvenirs, “Home of $5 custom-made Philadelphia T-Shirts,” offers serious bargains on custom screen-printed T-shirts and active apparel. Since 1977, guests have been able to choose from a variety of styles and colors, then pay a mere five bucks to have Rocky, the Liberty Bell, a Philly team or local attraction printed on it within 30 seconds. 233 Church Street, (215) 925-7860, oldcitytshirts.com

When the goal is a Philly tchotchke, Xeno’s Gifts delivers—pint glasses, plates, keychains, mugs, thermoses, sweatshirts, chocolates, mini statuary and knickknacks galore. Also in stock Old City emporium of souvenirs: comic book character goods and, for no charge at all, maps, directions and advice from the friendly staff. 231 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-1445, xenosgifts.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

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